USS Kankakee (AO-39)

The USS Kankakee (AO-39) was commissioned in 1942, serving during World War II, where it transported fuel oil to various locations and refueled combat ships and convoys in the Pacific. Throughout 1944, it refueled naval units, including Captain Arleigh Burke's "Little Beavers," and supported air strikes against Japanese-held locations. It continued to support the Pacific campaigns throughout 1945.

In the post-war period from 1946 to 1955, the ship was assigned to the Naval Overseas Transportation Service, serving as a station tanker in the North Pacific. It also transported fuel oil from the Persian Gulf to Japan and the Philippines, and it supported the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. During the Cold War era, it was recommissioned in 1956 for Atlantic fuel-shuttle duty and supported NATO exercises.

After being placed in reserve, it was reinstated in 1961, supporting the U.S. Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis by refueling 89 ships. It engaged in various Atlantic and Caribbean missions and supported U.S.-French exercises. In 1965, it acted as a recovery unit for NASA's Gemini 4 space flight.

The USS Kankakee played an essential role in fuel transportation and refueling operations across different naval theaters, including during World War II and critical Cold War events.